Psychodynamic Therapists in Fullerton, CA

Photo of Christina Isler, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Christina Isler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fullerton, CA 92831
I integrate multiple therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), internal family systems (IFS), and psychodynamic therapy (object relations) to help you uncover the obstacles that are keeping you from living your most fulfilled life and customize treatment to your unique goals.
We all want to be known; to be seen and heard and understood by others. We may also need help learning to understand ourselves and our needs as well as the needs of those we interact with. The connections we form with our families, our friends, coworkers and significant others can bring great fulfillment to our lives, or they can be a source of struggle, leaving us wanting more. Starting therapy is the first brave step in improving the quality of your relationships, including the relationship with yourself!
I integrate multiple therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), internal family systems (IFS), and psychodynamic therapy (object relations) to help you uncover the obstacles that are keeping you from living your most fulfilled life and customize treatment to your unique goals.
We all want to be known; to be seen and heard and understood by others. We may also need help learning to understand ourselves and our needs as well as the needs of those we interact with. The connections we form with our families, our friends, coworkers and significant others can bring great fulfillment to our lives, or they can be a source of struggle, leaving us wanting more. Starting therapy is the first brave step in improving the quality of your relationships, including the relationship with yourself!
(714) 583-9122 View (714) 583-9122
Photo of Shannon Squillante, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Squillante
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92833
I come from a psychodynamic approach with an emphasis in Depth Psychology.
Hello, my name is Shannon Squillante, LMFT 98938. I have a humanistic approach to therapy, working to understand the individual and how they have learned to interact with others in ways that no longer serve them- and work to undo those ways to provide the individual with more freedom and choice in their actions, which I believe can lead to healing. Understanding where we come from and the impact that it has had on us is vital to growing those parts that were stunted and creating reparative moments through relationships to work towards acceptance.
I come from a psychodynamic approach with an emphasis in Depth Psychology.
Hello, my name is Shannon Squillante, LMFT 98938. I have a humanistic approach to therapy, working to understand the individual and how they have learned to interact with others in ways that no longer serve them- and work to undo those ways to provide the individual with more freedom and choice in their actions, which I believe can lead to healing. Understanding where we come from and the impact that it has had on us is vital to growing those parts that were stunted and creating reparative moments through relationships to work towards acceptance.
(657) 300-0151 View (657) 300-0151
Photo of Kathlynn Gates, ASW
Kathlynn Gates
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
In my practice, I utilize CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory to help clients experience healing that involves engaging both the mind and body.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
In my practice, I utilize CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory to help clients experience healing that involves engaging both the mind and body.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(714) 519-2761 View (714) 519-2761
Bao Hoangtran
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fullerton, CA 92832  (Online Only)
Hello there! My name is Bao, and I am a bilingual Vietnamese American therapist who is based in Southern California. I primarily work with children, adolescents, adults, and families from ages 3-75 who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, ADHD, high-risk behaviors, substance use, anger management, and relational issues. I like to use various therapeutic approaches to tailor to each client’s individual needs, but some of the approaches I like to use in my practice stemmed from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy.
Hello there! My name is Bao, and I am a bilingual Vietnamese American therapist who is based in Southern California. I primarily work with children, adolescents, adults, and families from ages 3-75 who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, ADHD, high-risk behaviors, substance use, anger management, and relational issues. I like to use various therapeutic approaches to tailor to each client’s individual needs, but some of the approaches I like to use in my practice stemmed from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy.
(657) 312-3828 View (657) 312-3828
Photo of Kimberly M. Hagan, PhD, Psychologist
Kimberly M. Hagan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
I practice from a psychodynamic and family systems perspective while trained to integrate other modalities as needed.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice for over 27 years. I have fulfilled licensing and educational requirements in two states. My training is with adults across the life span and couples. Previous experience includes university counseling centers and hospital medical consult. It is within our early experiences that we learn trust, acceptance and a sense of self. Each individual learns a unique attachment style based on these early relationships, loves and losses. Therapy provides a safe environment to change patterns, heal our past and present struggles while increasing personal insight, trust and resiliency.
I practice from a psychodynamic and family systems perspective while trained to integrate other modalities as needed.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice for over 27 years. I have fulfilled licensing and educational requirements in two states. My training is with adults across the life span and couples. Previous experience includes university counseling centers and hospital medical consult. It is within our early experiences that we learn trust, acceptance and a sense of self. Each individual learns a unique attachment style based on these early relationships, loves and losses. Therapy provides a safe environment to change patterns, heal our past and present struggles while increasing personal insight, trust and resiliency.
(714) 461-0716 View (714) 461-0716
Photo of Justine Gordon, AMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Justine Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
I draw from EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and DBT.
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
I draw from EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and DBT.
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
(714) 862-2753 View (714) 862-2753
Photo of Alex Kropf, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alex Kropf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fullerton, CA 92832
I specialize in spiritual and depth psychology and utilize a multi-theoretical framework that incorporates feminist, humanistic, existential, somatic, internal family systems, mindfulness, gestalt, psychodynamic, and attachment-based approaches.
My passion lies in supporting those of all ages and identity backgrounds who are interested in self exploration and discovery. I practice from a trauma informed, sex-positive, queer affirming, feminist, spiritual and social justice-oriented standpoint. Understanding how the “personal is political” and how psychological challenges are rooted in systemic oppression is central to my work. My experience in sexual/reproductive healthcare and working as a birth and postpartum doula catalyzed my interest in supporting those undergoing vulnerability regarding their sexuality, pain, pleasure, health, gender identity and life transitions.
I specialize in spiritual and depth psychology and utilize a multi-theoretical framework that incorporates feminist, humanistic, existential, somatic, internal family systems, mindfulness, gestalt, psychodynamic, and attachment-based approaches.
My passion lies in supporting those of all ages and identity backgrounds who are interested in self exploration and discovery. I practice from a trauma informed, sex-positive, queer affirming, feminist, spiritual and social justice-oriented standpoint. Understanding how the “personal is political” and how psychological challenges are rooted in systemic oppression is central to my work. My experience in sexual/reproductive healthcare and working as a birth and postpartum doula catalyzed my interest in supporting those undergoing vulnerability regarding their sexuality, pain, pleasure, health, gender identity and life transitions.
(657) 500-4665 View (657) 500-4665
Photo of Kyree Klimist, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kyree Klimist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
Some of the modalities I use include Couples Therapy; Feminist Therapy; Grief Therapy; Holistic; Interpersonal; Mindfulness-Based; Psychodynamic; Relational.
I work primarily with teens, adults, and couples. I have worked in both the private sector and in non-profits and government, giving me real-life experiences in the work world outside of private practice as well. I have been a family court mediator, helping divorcing families work through their issues around parenting and custody. I specialize in relationship issues, dual diagnosis, co-dependency and addiction issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and serving the LGBTQI community.
Some of the modalities I use include Couples Therapy; Feminist Therapy; Grief Therapy; Holistic; Interpersonal; Mindfulness-Based; Psychodynamic; Relational.
I work primarily with teens, adults, and couples. I have worked in both the private sector and in non-profits and government, giving me real-life experiences in the work world outside of private practice as well. I have been a family court mediator, helping divorcing families work through their issues around parenting and custody. I specialize in relationship issues, dual diagnosis, co-dependency and addiction issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and serving the LGBTQI community.
(657) 837-3435 View (657) 837-3435
Photo of Emily P. Chen, PhD, Psychologist
Emily P. Chen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I customize each client’s therapy by integrating elements of somatic psychology psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Welcome to my profile! I am a clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy online to residents of California. I primarily see adults and seniors who have adverse childhood experiences and are struggling with emotional regulation, relationship difficulty, or the stress of dealing with a chronic illness or chronic pain.
I customize each client’s therapy by integrating elements of somatic psychology psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Welcome to my profile! I am a clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy online to residents of California. I primarily see adults and seniors who have adverse childhood experiences and are struggling with emotional regulation, relationship difficulty, or the stress of dealing with a chronic illness or chronic pain.
(562) 231-6733 View (562) 231-6733
Photo of Alexa Enyart, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
I utilize CBT to explore and reframe negative thought patterns, DBT to equip you with coping skills for anxiety & depression and psychodynamic therapy to understand your trauma and unconscious desire and promote insight for lasting change.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I utilize CBT to explore and reframe negative thought patterns, DBT to equip you with coping skills for anxiety & depression and psychodynamic therapy to understand your trauma and unconscious desire and promote insight for lasting change.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(657) 341-0903 View (657) 341-0903
Photo of Caleb Park, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Caleb Park
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
I am dedicated to providing personalized support for individuals struggling with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma (EMDR Certified), sexual addiction, marital issues, substance addiction, and panic attacks. My comprehensive approach to therapy draws from a combination of evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapy, to help you achieve lasting results. I have over 8+ years of clinical experience, along with the best sexual addiction and trauma therapy training. You can trust that you are with a professional who has been trained at the highest-level institutions.
I am dedicated to providing personalized support for individuals struggling with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma (EMDR Certified), sexual addiction, marital issues, substance addiction, and panic attacks. My comprehensive approach to therapy draws from a combination of evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapy, to help you achieve lasting results. I have over 8+ years of clinical experience, along with the best sexual addiction and trauma therapy training. You can trust that you are with a professional who has been trained at the highest-level institutions.
(562) 303-5633 View (562) 303-5633
Photo of Mieka Bledsoe - MK Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
MK Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92835  (Online Only)
Each of us is unique and I use an integrative approach with psychodynamic, family systems, and attachment theory.
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in a culturally sensitive way. I have over 13 years of experience working with individuals dealing with self-esteem, trauma, family, marital, and relationship issues. I have also done extensive work with individuals in the areas of communication and boundaries.
Each of us is unique and I use an integrative approach with psychodynamic, family systems, and attachment theory.
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in a culturally sensitive way. I have over 13 years of experience working with individuals dealing with self-esteem, trauma, family, marital, and relationship issues. I have also done extensive work with individuals in the areas of communication and boundaries.
(714) 430-8730 View (714) 430-8730
Photo of Laurel Salmon, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Laurel Salmon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
Utilizing CBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic perspectives, I provide therapy through a holistic lens, aiming to see my clients from a full picture rather than just their symptomatology.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Utilizing CBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic perspectives, I provide therapy through a holistic lens, aiming to see my clients from a full picture rather than just their symptomatology.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
(714) 361-0490 View (714) 361-0490
Photo of Jennifer Carroll, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Jennifer Carroll
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fullerton, CA 92831
I use Psychodynamic and Relational Cultural Theories, along with CBT, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion to help you identify problematic patterns and make lasting change.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers
I use Psychodynamic and Relational Cultural Theories, along with CBT, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion to help you identify problematic patterns and make lasting change.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers
(657) 243-8130 View (657) 243-8130
Photo of Chantal Daley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chantal Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
(714) 266-3416 View (714) 266-3416
Photo of Melissa Satram, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Satram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
By using CBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approach, I can help you navigate life's ups and downs and shift patterns, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
By using CBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approach, I can help you navigate life's ups and downs and shift patterns, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
(949) 426-7310 View (949) 426-7310
Photo of Nicole Logan, LPC, EMDR
Nicole Logan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
I utilize CBT, psychodynamic theory, EMDR, and narrative therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, and helplessness.
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.
I utilize CBT, psychodynamic theory, EMDR, and narrative therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, and helplessness.
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.
(949) 229-4805 View (949) 229-4805
Photo of Gregory Bendau, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Gregory Bendau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, or low self-esteem? Do you find yourself avoiding social engagements or so preoccupied with excessive worrying? Finding ways to navigate these difficult feelings can help you get back on track. I use a psychodynamic approach and CBT that focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior and ways of relating to ourselves and others that are often outside of our awareness. I also consider how our past impacts who we are today. Through acceptance and empathy, we will establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and work together toward your personal growth and self-discovery.
Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, or low self-esteem? Do you find yourself avoiding social engagements or so preoccupied with excessive worrying? Finding ways to navigate these difficult feelings can help you get back on track. I use a psychodynamic approach and CBT that focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior and ways of relating to ourselves and others that are often outside of our awareness. I also consider how our past impacts who we are today. Through acceptance and empathy, we will establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and work together toward your personal growth and self-discovery.
(949) 298-2954 View (949) 298-2954
Photo of Valerie Russell, PhD, Psychologist
Valerie Russell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92831
My orientation combines both psychodynamic and cognitive based approaches.
My clients come from many walks of life but have one thing in common - they would like to improve their overall quality of life. Perhaps the wounds from their past or stressors from their present are adversely impacting their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to improve their current level of functioning. My practice includes working with adults, college students, adolescents, couples, and families. I also co-lead groups with my husband who is also a psychotherapist, and I work with master's level and doctorate interns who are completing their therapy/supervison hours for licensing.
My orientation combines both psychodynamic and cognitive based approaches.
My clients come from many walks of life but have one thing in common - they would like to improve their overall quality of life. Perhaps the wounds from their past or stressors from their present are adversely impacting their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to improve their current level of functioning. My practice includes working with adults, college students, adolescents, couples, and families. I also co-lead groups with my husband who is also a psychotherapist, and I work with master's level and doctorate interns who are completing their therapy/supervison hours for licensing.
(714) 497-0344 View (714) 497-0344
Photo of J Michael Russell, PhD, PsyD, NCC, Licensed Psychoanalyst
J Michael Russell
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD, PsyD, NCC
Not Verified Not Verified
Fullerton, CA 92834
Combining existential and psychodynamic approaches is controversial.
I mainly work with clients who are "psychologically minded" and interested in examining long-standing personality traits that may get in the way of having fulfilling personal and professional lives. Often my clients are therapists or aspiring therapists. I am an Emeritus Professor and a "Research Psychoanalyst." That means I have a PhD in Philosophy and have also trained in counseling and acquired a PsyD in Psychoanalysis. What I offer draws from this mix of backgrounds. I most like working with individuals (and couples and groups) who want to be challenged on both an intellectual and an emotional level.
Combining existential and psychodynamic approaches is controversial.
I mainly work with clients who are "psychologically minded" and interested in examining long-standing personality traits that may get in the way of having fulfilling personal and professional lives. Often my clients are therapists or aspiring therapists. I am an Emeritus Professor and a "Research Psychoanalyst." That means I have a PhD in Philosophy and have also trained in counseling and acquired a PsyD in Psychoanalysis. What I offer draws from this mix of backgrounds. I most like working with individuals (and couples and groups) who want to be challenged on both an intellectual and an emotional level.
(714) 497-3917 View (714) 497-3917
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Psychodynamic Therapists

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?

Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?

Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?

Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.